The
burbot
(a.k.a. eelpout) is the only freshwater member of the codfish family.
It is most often caught through the ice when it moves to shallow water to
spawn. Preferring cool temperatures, Burbot spend the summer months
in deep water near the lake bottom
(UW Sea Grant Institute,
2013). In fact, I once caught one at a depth of over 100 feet while fishing
for lake trout when I accidently
let my jigging spoon drop to the bottom. The
Minnesota state record for burbot is 18 pounds, 5 ounces
(Minnesota DNR,
2014). Though not much to look at, they are actually quite tasty if prepared
correctly. Take a look at these
burbot recipes.